DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — The National Freedom Party (NFP) is facing mounting pressure ahead of the November local government elections as internal leadership divisions intensify alongside the recent defection of approximately 200 members to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
NFP KwaZulu-Natal provincial chairperson Mbali Shinga addressed the media in Durban, conceding that the party is navigating a severe political and organizational crisis. She emphasized that the loss of members, which includes senior party figures and deployed councilors, comes at a critical time, just over two months before voters head to the polls.
The IFP recently welcomed these former NFP members back during a weekend gathering. Shinga expressed deep disappointment over the defections, noting that the departing members take their constituency support with them. She urged current members to utilize internal party processes to resolve grievances rather than abandoning the organization, stressing that political success and electoral viability rely heavily on membership numbers.
Beyond the recent defections, the NFP has been embroiled in prolonged disputes regarding leadership suspensions and the removal of elected representatives. Shinga revealed that she recently extended an olive branch to NFP president Ivan Barnes, appealing for unity and an “organizational reset” in honor of the party’s late president, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msiza.
However, Shinga stated that this outreach was firmly rejected. She alleged that the party’s national leadership disregarded a court order that had previously reinstated her, only for the party to suspend her again, highlighting a profound lack of cooperation at the highest levels of the organization.
Despite these compounding challenges, which echo past administrative hurdles that have previously threatened the party’s ability to contest elections, Shinga maintained that this is not the end for the NFP. She pointed to the party’s historical resilience in overcoming internal squabbles, such as those experienced during the 2016 election cycle.
Reaffirming KwaZulu-Natal as the NFP’s traditional stronghold, Shinga issued a final call to action for all party leaders to unite under one roof. She argued that while time is short, rectifying the internal fractures is essential to restoring voter trust, ensuring the party can contest effectively, and delivering on its service delivery mandates in the upcoming November local government elections.